Connecting Mission to Practice: A Collaborative Site Visit to NYU College of Dentistry

Leslin recently had the pleasure of coordinating a site visit to NYU College of Dentistry, hosted by Dianne L Sefo, Chair of the Department of Dental Hygiene & Dental Assisting. We are especially grateful to Dean Bertolami, and Executive Vice Dean O’Connor for their time, thoughtful discussion, support, and for sharing NYU College of Dentistry’s mission of student growth and patient-centered care.

This visit strongly aligned with Leslin’s mission as an educational non-profit to expand access, exposure, and pathways into health professions through meaningful institutional partnerships, particularly with A. Li Song, MD (China), L.Ac., President of the New York College of Health Profession, whose collaboration with Mr. Yao Yichun, Chairman of the Industry-Education Committee of the UN World Federation, CEO and Owner of China POCY Group, and his esteemed delegation, made the site visit possible.

During the visit, Professor Sefo provided an overview of NYU College of Dentistry, with a focus on the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs. Discussions highlighted curriculum design, professional development, accreditation, and career pathways, followed by a tour of training labs, classrooms, and specialized facilities, including the NYU Dentistry Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities. Conversations also explored advanced technologies, evolving roles in the field and dental hygiene, the global need for oral health services, and the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to China POCY Group and the delegation for sharing compelling films that illuminated their educational vision and the transformative institutional development underway in China. Their presentations reflected a deep commitment to excellence in healthcare and vocational education, as well as a shared enthusiasm for skills-based careers and future-focused opportunities for collaboration.

Our heartfelt thanks to NYU College of Dentistry for graciously hosting this meaningful exchange, and to Dean Bertolami and Executive Vice Dean O’Connor for their leadership and insight. Special appreciation to Prof. Sefo for thoughtfully arranging and guiding this visit, and for her hospitality and dedication to advancing Dental Hygiene, oral health education, and global collaboration. We are grateful to Dr. Song, President of NY College of Health Professions; Mr. Yao Yichun, CEO and owner of China POCY Group; and all who participated in this visit.